I have been telling you that I was excited about sharing with you an event that ALL of Jackson County could participate in…..So that is what I want to do with today’s post.

Most of you know that I am a member of First Baptist Church and have been for 15 years.  I was married there, my girls were “dedicated” there (that is what Baptist do rather than Christening.. just in case you are wondering what that exactly means), went to Daycare there and my MM was baptized there almost a year ago.  So with that said, I love my church and the people that go there.   FBC is a huge part of my life and I am so grateful for all that God has blessed me with–in a wonderful church family.  BUT, that does not mean I do not support and love other churches and even other denominations (from Church of Christ to Catholics- we are all of God’s Creations).  That is another one of those wonderful and great things about Scottsboro and Jackson County- Most all of the churches work well together and especially when there is a “Need” in our community.  Think about it though, most all of us know at least one other person that attends another church.  I cannot imagine not being friends with someone just because they go to another church.  We were all created by one person and that one person is who is responsible for all the good things in our life and allowing us to do all that we do in life…..God loves each of us no matter what church we attend.  Like I have said before, that is another reason the world goes round!! Right?

So when Clayton Grider (he is the Youth Minister at First United Methodist Church in Scottsboro) told me about this Community Event- I knew it was something that I wanted to help him with in getting the word out to everyone.  The “main objective” of this event is “School Supplies”……

So what does this exatly mean?  It is time to make some important changes in the lives of our community youth.  Those that have ever bought or are buying school supplies these days – know how expensive it can get.  Sure they have sales on notebooks for 50 cents or glue sticks for a dime but that all adds up.  And then those are not the only supplies that you have to purchase to get your kids ready for school to begin.  Many will prepare for school in August without the appropriate school supplies and some will have no supplies at all.  The older the kids gets, the more pressure there is to be “accepted” and showing up at school without the supplies you need does not help their self – esteem at all.  We need to make a community effort to aid in providing our students with such tools–SCHOOL SUPLLIES!!!

So, Clayton has a very worthwhile event planned and you can be a part of it.  On Saturday, August 1, 2009, and even the days leading up to then–  we all can help play a part in changing the lives of all young people in Jackson County.  So if you have Jr. High or High School Kids (I know that there are many Jr. High and High School Girls who read my “Purse” so please tell your friends about this post)- you need to mark your calendar (or their calendar)  to be at the First United Methodist Church (on the outside grounds) on that Saturday evening.

The event is called, “Rock the Block” and there will be a Christian Rock Concert that will provide children (of ALL ages) with materials for school.  The headliner (for those that are not familiar with that “term” , this is the Band) will be Everyday Sunday.  (If you have not listened to their music- you need to check it out- it is really good)  To find out more about this band, you can click here.

There is much to be done prior to August 1st though and that is where all Jackson County People are needed to step up and help out.  The “Plan” is to fill an ENTIRE SCHOOL BUS full of school supplies from the Scottsboro City and Jackson County School supply list.  By the way, I read lead letters from both Dr. Berry (Scottsboro City Schools) and Mr. Ken Harding (Jackson County Schools) giving 100% support of this event.   So you ask, “How can I help?”  Well, here are a few  ways that you can think about in how to make this event not only a success but a HUGE SUCCESS!!!! 

You could become a SPONSOR :  There are several options for this. 

General Sponsor: Mention your name/group name/ business name at the event. $50.00

Flyer Sponsor:  Print your name/group name/business name on all print advertisements + mention your name/group name/ business name a the event.  $100.00

T-Shirt Sponsor: Print your name/group name/business name on event T-shirts and all print advertisements + mention your name/group name/business name at the event.  $200.00

Logo Sponsor:  Print you logo on event T-shirts and all print advertisements + mention your name/group name/business name at the event.  $300.00

Mega Sponsor:  Mention your  name in various radio and television advertisements + print your logo on event T-Shirts and all print advertisements + mention your name/group name/business name at the event.  $500.00

If you are interested in being a sponsor, you need to contact Clayton Grider at (256) 259-8556 or clayton@scottsboro.org

Another way, is to be a volunteer at the Event.  This is going to take lots of people and there is no doubt in my mind that there will NOT be a “shortage” of volunteers.  Scottsboro and Jackson County are blessed with people that are willing to give of their time and talent and willingness to always have a “hand” out to help someone in need.  This is the time for those people to once again step up and say, “I want to help out with this AWESOME IDEA!”.  Remember, you do not have to attend First United Methodist Church.  That is just the location of the event.  The ones that are going to make this happen is EVERYONE in Jackson County.  That means YOU!!!  So whether you live in Woodville  or you live in Bridgeport or Sand Mountain- you are needed.  If you, a Club/Group, Sunday School Class, other Youth Groups from other Churches think this is a good “project” for you to express your “Love” for this County- then  you need to get in touch with Clayton as well- (256) 259-8556 or clayton@scottsboro.org

Another way for you to participate is to make a donation for school supplies or you could simply purchase the school supplies yourself.  What a great way for your kids to get involved.  They could use some of their own money to purchase pencils, glue, paper, etc.  By the way, as soon as I get the School Supplies list for the City and County Schools, I will be sure to post those.  (I will let you know when I do have those up in a Category)  If your kids are involved in playgroups, Daycare, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Choir Groups…..I could go on and on but you get the “idea”.  This would be great ways to get them involved and let them have a better idea of how important it is to “GIVE” and that it is not always about “RECIEVING“.  Also, a time to talk about “Helping Others”.  It is never too early to “instill” the importance of “Doing to others as we would have them do unto us”.  That is in the “form” of giving  and showing we care. (Did not mean to start throwing out Bible verses and preaching. Ha!)  So, when you start going to Walmart, the Dollar Stores, etc.- think about picking up a pack of pencils or paper and putting them back.  You will be amazed how fast “things” can add up.  I will be getting back with you on “drop off” location also.  No need to say anymore on this “way to help out” because you know what you can do and I KNOW you will do your part!  Thanks in Advance from Clayton and myself.

Then if you are in Jr. High or High School (City and County Schools), then you will want to be on the “Grounds” of the First United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 1st.  The time will be announced later on.  THIS WILL BE THE PLACE TO BE!!!!  I know my MM is so excited about going to the Youth Program at FBC.  There is no doubt that she will make plans to be at “Rock the Block”.  She believes in the bible verse, “Where there are two or more people gathered……”.  She likes to socialize…I have no idea where she gets that???Ha!

This is the last way but definitely not the “least” way you can participate in “Rock the Block” – you can PRAY!!!  I may not be the “holiest” person and I definitely have my faults (I am pretty sure we all do) but I so believe in prayer.  There is not a day that goes by that I do not ask or thank God for something that is going on in my life or someone I know, and even praying for an event like “Rock the Block“.  Of course, we know God is going to be “watching” over this event because after all – it was not Clayton that “actually came up with the idea”- it was God who put this “wonderful idea” in his head and heart.  We just need to remind God that we all do need his help, strength, and wisdom to do our part in making sure that ALL Scottsboro and Jackson County School Kids have ALL of the Supplies that they need to begin school with… 

“We” (that is you and I) can fill a School Bus FULL of School Supplies but we cannot wait until the end of July to begin doing our part on this event.  It needs to start now.  So make a “Mental Note” in your head right now that this is something that YOU WILL do you part in making it a SUCCESS!!

You know, Jackson County seems to be in the Local Media a lot these days but they seem to only want to talk about negative “news”  that is happening in our area.  Well, this is NEWS that needs to be talked about and I am confident that Scottsboro and Jackson County will be on News Channels 48, 31 and 19 in the coming weeks.  Those that have those contacts for these stations- this is the way you can help. 

Even though School is not going on and there are not as many School Buses on the Road- there are still a few making their “wheels” turn these days.  So when you see a school bus- let it be a “sign” or a “reminder” to get school supplies for “Rock the Block”.

I cannot end this post about a School Bus without telling you one of the things on my “Bucket List” (yes, I know that is crazy to have one but I do and have for years….).   If you have not watched this movie with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman- you need to rent it.  GREAT MOVIE!!!   Many that know me, know that I have always wanted to drive a School Bus. 

The thought of sitting up “high” in that chair and having “control” over that big black steering wheel makes me smile.  When I was younger (and lived at home), my dad would make my sister and I mow the grass every Thursday night (if we did not, there would be no going out on Friday or Saturday nights- can you imagine how embarrassing that was telling your friends and boyfriends that you had to mow the grass or you could not go anywhere on the weekend? It was really bad!!), well, the best part about riding the lawnmower was using the “Blade Shifter” (the “stick-leaver that lowers and raises the deck thing) 

I would pretend that I was driving a school bus (while mowing the grass) and that was the “Shifter” that opened and closed the Bus Doors….. I always had a bus full to let off so I was doing lots of  “Leaver-shifting”…Ha!   So, there you have it- I still have not marked that off my list but I will one day.  I can assure you!!! Ha!  I think I am telling to much of my “doings” when I was younger….Ha!

I will be out of town this weekend so check back on Monday. Have a great weekend!!  Keep me up to date on anything that I might miss this weekend that I need to share with others.   Remember, email all information to pennyg@scottsboro.org. (I printed off all my emails tonight so I  am going to get lots of things posted in the next few days…) 

Until Monday-